View full sizeLysa StantonPhoto courtesy of The Westlake Historical Society

A: Westlake truly has something for everyone. I am very proud that Westlake continues to be a very green community. I appreciate the variety of houses that we have. Within our community we have over 170 historic structures. Westlake is fiscally responsible and has top-notch services. We are blessed to have the leadership that has served us well for many decades.

Q: How does your personal history relate to this community?

A: My history with Westlake only goes back a decade. It was when I met and married my husband. I told my future husband that our home must be in Westlake. Not long after moving here, we became involved with the Westlake Historical Society. I have always had a passion for history, especially one's own local history. I am passionate about introducing people to our fine city's rich history. There is always something to learn about the history of any town in which you live. My husband's great-grandmother, Alma Kluever, grew up in Westlake in a home that is still standing on Bassett Road. The Kluever family was a prominent family in Westlake's history.

Q: How does modern technology help preserve the past?

A: Modern technology helps to preserve history in many ways. Computers have opened up the world of history knowledge to all. The ability to access the Internet gives you the key to not only Westlake's history but all types of history. The creation of specialized museum software, like PastPerfect is a wonderful cataloging software for museums, large and small, to organize their collections. The software makes it possible to put our artifacts online. The Westlake Historical Society is also working on an app to share our community's history. Apps for all types of history explorations are at your fingertips in this day of "there's an app for that."

We use our website and social media to promote not only our activities but as a way to reach out to residents past and present to gather memories and information. The ability to scan documents is a wonderful way to preserve them. Historical documents should not be subjected to excessive handling and environmental conditions. Once a document is scanned, it can be shared with no risk of something happening to the original.

Q: Why is the work of historical preservation important?

A: Preservation of our history is vitally important. Our history connects us to our past and tells our story. To know how we got here, we must turn the page of our own history. The collection of documents, artifacts, as well as personal accounts of those people, places, and things that came before us tell the story of who we are today. In a world of fast-paced everything, there is nothing as exciting as taking a glimpse at a historical document or artifact. With that piece of history we can somehow connect to it and by doing so connect to our own history in some way. It might be our own family tree, an artifact of our state history or a precious document such as the Declaration of Independence that stirs within us a deep emotion of how got here. Not all history is happy -- many times it is filled with sadness and pain -- however preserving it is of utmost importance. Westlake is honored with having two city-owned buildings that are listed on The National Registry of Historic Places -- The Clague Museum as well as The Lilly Weston House. We are working towards the restoration of The Lilly Weston home -- a treasure from 1844.

Q: Where can people go to find and appreciate the work you do?

A: The work of our Westlake Historical Society is a collaborative effort made up of our members, city, friends and supporters. One might visit the Clague Family Homestead, The remaining Clagues, Walter and Sophronia donated their property so that it could be used as a park, history library, and museum. One might visit us during one of our many yearly events, such as the Evergreen Cemetery Tour on May 17 at 1 p.m., attend our annual ice cream social held June 6 at 6 p.m. on the lawn of the Clague House Museum. Our annual Antique, Vintage and Craft Show held on the museum grounds on July 20 is a wonderful day to visit. You might visit one of our five Ohio Historical Markers throughout our city. We will be dedicating our sixth marker this summer to honor Astronaut Col. Robert Overmyer. You might want to visit the Founder's Walk and Clague Monument that is directly across the street from The Clague House Museum.

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